Spare the air: free bus on Tuesday

With tomorrow’s temperature expected to reach about 112 degrees, contributing to bad air quality, a regional “Spare the Air” day has been declared. Among other things, this means some local bus service will be offered free. Here’s the full text of a press release from YoloBus in Yolo County:

“Tuesday, August 14, 2012 has been designated by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District as a “Spare the Air” day. Rides on YOLOBUS and Unitrans fixed route services will be provided at no charge to riders because of this “Spare the Air Day” designation. Also, riders of YOLOBUS paratransit services will not be charged a fare on those days.

“This summer, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to exceed “127” for ozone levels, the Air District sends out an announcement at least the day before.

“Additionally, because the temperature forecast is significant for Tuesday, both YOLOBUS and Unitrans are advising passengers to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and staying indoors as long as possible (until their buses arrive), particularly in the afternoon.

[adrotate group=”10”] “How can a rider find out if their bus is on time without being out there in the heat of the day? YOLOBUS riders can get real time information on where their bus is simply by going to the Yolobus.com web site and clicking on “automatic vehicle location system”, or going to http://avl.yctd.org/.

“This free-ride incentive program on YOLOBUS is funded by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District. Likewise, Unitrans, which serves the City of Davis, surrounding area, and U.C. Davis campus, will offer free rides on Spare the Air days as well. This free-ride offer does not apply to Sacramento Regional Transit buses or light rail and free transfers to that system will not be issued.

“Five-day forecasts for ozone are available at www.sparetheair.com and Spare the Air days are determined a day in advance which helps people plan to use alternative transportation, including bus, carpooling, walking and bicycling. Residents can also receive personal notification through Air Alert, a free service available by signing up at www.myairalert.net. On declared “Spare the Air” days anyone can ride YOLOBUS for free.